Fire Damage Restoration

OH NO A FIRE! Who do I call to repair fire damage?

Category: Article • February 10, 2022

The most devasting damage – Fire & Smoke

“$14.8 billion dollars in fire loss occurred in 2019. This number excludes all wildfire damage.  This is a 74.5% increase in Fire loss since 2010.”

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/data/statistics/

Fire Damage Statistics Graph

Fires are devasting and take time to recover and rebuild.  Accidental fires are caused by faulty equipment and wiring, fireplaces/woodstoves, cooking, grills, deep frying, lithium batteries, smoking, nature, and accidents. 

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes

When a fire happens, it is important to make sure all occupants and animals have made it out safely. The Fire Department will make sure the fire is extinguished and does not reignite.  

What do you do next to assess the fire damage?

Depending on the level of damage, you will need to have your property boarded up, tarped, and secured to prevent further damage and theft. 

The Fire Department notifies the Fire Marshall to investigate the cause of the fire to determine if it was an accident or was it intentionally set, which is a criminal offence.  It may take a couple of days to several weeks for this to occur.  Access to the property is not allowed until the Fire Marshall completes the investigation to prevent any tampering with the fire scene. 

Once the Fire Marshall investigation is complete, work with a reputable restoration contractor who knows how to work with your insurance company.  Not all emergency response contractors are equal in the restoration industry.  There are “fire chasers” who listen to scanners and show up at your property the night of the fire.

Fire Damage Professional Assessment

USE EXTREME CAUTION!

You do not need to sign a contract with a company the day of the fire.  The aftermath of dealing with a fire in a residential or commercial property can be a very emotional time.  “Fire Chasers” know this and push you to sign the contract while under duress.  DO NOT SIGN THE CONTRACT THE DAY/NIGHT OF THE FIRE

  • Take your time. Slow the process down and make sure they are the right contractor of you. 
  • Read the contract completely before signing. 
  • Ask your friends, neighbors, family, or co-workers for an emergency response contractor referral. 
  • If necessary, complete an internet search of companies in your area. 

You will need to have insurance to cover your living expenses for 12-24 months. 

Do I need to move after my fire? Yes, you will be required to move out of your home because it is dangerous to stay in the home because of all the chemical vapors and odors from burned furniture, textiles, and contents. There may be structural damage caused by the fire making the building unsafe.  

Additionally, appliances are damaged and must be recertified before it can be used.  Electric wiring in your home maybe damaged from fire, water, and smoke so it is unsafe to return until all these items can be verified or replaced. 

Know your insurance coverage before a fire happens…

Review your insurance coverage annually with your insurance agent.  Why?  Things change since your original policy implementation. Make sure you have adequate coverage for the replacement of the property.  Know the insurance policy limits for the replacement structure, other structures (sheds, etc.), contents (clothing, furniture, electronics, etc.) and daily living expenses.  Each of these items are critical to the rebuild and recovery of the property. 

For example, if you live a rural area with no fire hydrants, the fire typically will cause a complete loss of property due to lack of water and fire department response time.  With inflation and supply chain shortages, the cost to rebuild could be 50-60 percent higher. 

Be Prepared Before a Fire Happens

No one expects a fire to happen.  Be prepared and know your insurance policy limits.  Make a copy of your insurance policy and store off site or scan a copy to maintain online. 

If you have a fire at your home or business, don’t hesitate to give me a call.  Our team of trained professionals will assist you with every aspect of the process. 

Author:  Rebecca Winiarski 

Excerpt from “The Little Book on Hiring an Emergency Response Contractor – What Ever Property Owner Should Know” ISBN 9798458966498.